How Colombia Grades Its Coffee Beans by Size

When shopping for Colombian coffee, you might notice labels like “Supremo” proudly displayed—but does that actually tell you anything about how the coffee tastes? Many buyers assume a higher grade means better flavor, but in Colombia, the grading system is surprisingly simple and purely physical. If you’ve ever wondered why some Colombian beans are labeled one way and others aren’t, or what “18 mesh” really means, here’s what you need to know.

The quick answer: Colombia grades its coffee beans based solely on size. Beans graded as Supremo must be 18 mesh or larger, which means they’re around 7 millimeters in diameter. Excelso beans are smaller, below 18 mesh. But size alone doesn’t determine taste—origin and processing matter far more for flavor.

What Does 'Supremo' and 'Excelso' Actually Mean?

Colombia uses a straightforward grading system for green coffee beans that classifies them mainly by their physical dimensions. The two primary grades are Supremo and Excelso. A Supremo bean is defined as being 18 mesh or larger, while Excelso beans fall below that threshold.

Mesh here refers to the number of openings per inch on a sieve. One mesh equals 1/64 of an inch, which means 18 mesh corresponds to roughly 7 millimeters in diameter. So, if a coffee is labeled Supremo, you can expect the beans to be relatively large—about 7mm across—but that’s where the grading criteria end.

Why Size Matters (But Not for Flavor)

The Colombian coffee grading system is built around the idea that larger beans are generally of higher quality. Larger beans often come from fully mature cherries and can have more even roasting profiles. However, in specialty coffee circles, size is just one small factor among many that influence cup quality.

While Supremo beans may roast more uniformly due to their size, there’s no inherent link between bean size and taste complexity. That means a Supremo-labeled coffee could still taste flat or unremarkable if it comes from a generic growing region or lacks careful processing.

Where the Coffee Actually Comes From

Most generic Colombian coffee that lacks detailed labeling—no mention of region, farm, or altitude—is typically sourced from the MAM region (Medellín, Armenia, and Manizales), and is considered commercial-grade. These beans are usually of acceptable quality for everyday use but don’t offer the distinct profiles that come from Colombia’s renowned specialty regions.

In contrast, high-quality Colombian coffees often come with clear information about their origin, such as the specific department (like Huila) or even the farm and processing method. This level of detail is a strong indicator that the coffee has been carefully grown and processed, often at higher altitudes, and is more likely to have unique flavor characteristics.

Colombia’s Coffee Growing Regions and Altitude

Colombia’s coffee geography is shaped by the Andes Mountains, which split into three parallel ranges running north to south. Each range offers fertile volcanic soils and varied microclimates. Coffee in Colombia is grown between 800 and 2,300 meters above sea level, with the best flavors often coming from the higher altitudes.

The country’s coffee regions are divided into three main zones:

• Northern
• Central
• Southern (where most specialty coffee is produced)

The Huila region in the south is especially notable. It sits at elevations above 1,500 meters and has gained attention for producing award-winning coffees year after year. Altitude plays a major role in developing sweetness, acidity, and aroma in the beans due to slower maturation and increased UV exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “18 mesh” mean in Colombian coffee grading?

“18 mesh” refers to a sieve size where one mesh equals 1/64 of an inch. At 18 mesh, the coffee bean diameter is approximately 7 millimeters. Colombian Supremo-grade beans must be this size or larger.

What is the difference between Supremo and Excelso coffee?

Supremo coffee beans are graded as 18 mesh or larger (about 7mm), while Excelso beans are smaller than 18 mesh. Both can come from the same regions, but Supremo beans are typically larger in size, which may affect roast consistency—not necessarily flavor.

Does Supremo mean better tasting coffee?

Not necessarily. While Supremo beans are larger and may roast more evenly, taste depends more on factors like origin, altitude, processing method, and freshness. A labeled Supremo coffee isn’t automatically superior in flavor.

Why don’t some Colombian coffees list their origin?

Coffees without specific origin details (like farm or region) are usually commercial-grade beans from Colombia’s MAM region (Medellín, Armenia, Manizales). These lack the traceability and distinct profiles of specialty beans, which typically list farm, altitude, and processing methods.

Where is Colombia’s best specialty coffee grown?

The southern regions, particularly Huila, produce Colombia’s most celebrated specialty coffees. Grown at over 1,500 meters, these beans benefit from cool temperatures, rich volcanic soil, and extended ripening times, which enhance sweetness and complexity.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Size & Origin Lovers

For those curious about how origin and processing affect flavor beyond bean size, try FrontStreet’s Colombian beans. Their ‘FrontStreet Colombian Huila’ is a single-origin coffee featuring the widely planted Caturra variety, washed processed, and roasted to highlight chocolate, caramel, and nutty tones with balanced acidity. For fruit-forward profiles, the ‘FrontStreet Sidra’ and ‘FrontStreet Elephant Bean (Maragogype)’ showcase the trend toward juicy, aromatic Colombian coffees. All are medium-roasted and ideal for filter brewing. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.